This is supposedly from George Carlin, "I noticed that of all the prayers I used to offer to God, and all the prayers that I now offer to Joe Pesci, are being answered at about the same 50 percent rate. Half the time I get what I want. Half the time I don't. Same as God -- 50-50."

"And I'll ask my pet rock to transmit my brainwashing code to your brain. It'lll have about the same affect."

Of course I would only respond in these ways to in a situation like this where the guy is obviously being obnoxious. When someone says "I'm in their prayers." or something like that out of a genuine feeling of sympathy I at least try and say something nice back to acknowledge the fact they are trying to express human concern and/or sympathy for me.

The nature of the reply should be dependent on your intent. Do you just want to show him up in front of others? Or do you wish to change his position on some subject? There are numerous reasons for engaging in discussions. Know yours and then you will know your path.

I would just like for him to accept that I do not believe in his God. He is a good debater and I do enjoy throwing our opinions at each other on issues, but he ALWAYS brings my non-belief into whatever we are presently talking about. I'm realistic though, and just want to reply to his 'I'm praying for you, Bzzz' or 'I'll keep praying for you'...thank you all for your suggestions.

If this guy knows you are an atheist, and on a public forum he says he'll pray for you, he deserves to be bitch-slapped verbally.

Tell him to pray for God to protect our troops in Iraq instead - that their lives are more worthy of his prayers. Then each time another soldier dies over there, ask why his prayers are not being answered. Then tell him that's why you don't want him praying for you!

Do something constructive - like spending time with your kids or teaching someone to read or just reading a book or recycling something or giving some old goods to charity or donating the time you waste praying to volunteering.

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